Method and apparatus for producing sugar with reclaiming and recycling of carbonation scum

Abstract

 The invention relates to a method and an apparatus for producing sugar with regeneration and recycling of carbonation scum into the epuration line.
Carbonation scum is first separated (1) from the sugar juice and diluted (4) to a predetermined density. The pH value is then adjusted (7) to 6.0 - 11.2; subsequently the mother liquor is removed (9), and the thick portion of the regenerated material is recycled into the epuration line (8), optionally after activation (10).

Description

[0001] The invention relates to a method and an apparatus for producing sugar with reclaiming and recycling of carbonation scum, comprising a new process and apparatus concept for epuration line plants of sugar factories, which enable the scum coming from the first carbonation to be reused on such a line.

[0002] In processes of sugar juice clarification there hitherto have been used calcium hydroxide in the form of lime milk and subsequently carbon dioxide in combination with the so-called carbonation gas. In one of the essential chemical reactions accompanying the first sugar juice carbonation, secondary insoluble calcium carbonate is formed onto the surface of which other chemical substances such as non-sugar compounds are absorbed which are present in dissolved form in the sugar juice. Lime milk and carbon dioxide are manufactured in sugar factories by burning limestone (CaCO₃) which decomposes into calcium oxide and carbon dioxide. After having been used for the sugar juice clarification, these two substances are subjected again to a chemical reaction to give calcium carbonate (CaCO₃). Such an epuration reaction is well-known in the sugar industry.

[0003] In the epuration line plants, the obtained calcium carbonate, viz. the so-called carbonation scum, has heretofore been separated from the process by filtering and decanting while being subjected to a zero or multiple recirculation on the epuration line without being regenerated, in order to improve the filtering properties of carbonated juice. Calcium carbonate generated in the first carbonation serves here as non-sugar substance vehicle and is removed together with these substances from the epuration line.

[0004] The processes as hereinabove referred to, however, are considerably expensive, owing to a relatively high consumption of raw materials necessary for the manufacture of burnt lime, lime milk and carbonation scum, which fact, due to the limestone production and sugar factory waste processing, negatively influences not only the economical but also the environmental conditions.

[0005] It is the object of the present invention to overcome the above-mentioned drawbacks of the prior art and to provide a method and an apparatus for producing sugar with reclaiming and recycling of carbonation scum and particularly for the regeneration and recirculation of carbonation scum into the sugar juice epuration line, which are simple and lead to economical savings and improvements regarding a reduced waste material production and environmental advantages as compared with the prior art.

[0006] The above object is achieved according to the independent claims. The dependent claims relate to prefered embodiments.

[0007] The method of the present invention for producing sugar with reclaiming and recycling of carbonation scum for reusing it in the sugar production, comprises the following steps:

(A) separating the carbonation scum from the sugar juice after the first carbonation;

(B) diluting a portion or the total amount of the carbonation scum to a density of 1010 to 1350 kg/m³;

(C) adjusting the pH value of the diluted carbonation scum to 6.00 to 11.20;

(D) separating adsorbed non-sugar substances from the carbonation scum;

(E) optionally activating the carbonation scum by means of calcium oxide or calcium hydroxide, and

(F) dosing a portion or the total amount of the carbonation scum into the epuration line.

[0008] In accordance with a prefered embodiment, the carbonation scum is separated from the sugar juice in step A by filtration and is washed with water for removing sugar substances.

[0009] The regenerated carbonation scum may be dosed in step F into the preliming and/or the liming stage and/or the carbonation stage of the sugar juice processing, the regenerated carbonation scum preferably being dosed together with or at the same time as the lime milk addition.

[0010] In accordance with a further prefered embodiment, the diluted carbonation scum is carbonated, optionally after processing steps C, D and contingently E, or in step C.

[0011] According to still another advantageous embodiment, the chemically treated carbonation scum liquid is divided into a thin liquid portion and a thick portion, the thin liquid portion is recirculated into the dilution stage in an amount of between zero and 100 %, and the thick portion is dosed into the epuration line, optionally after activation.

[0012] The ratio between the amount of the dosed regenerated carbonation scum and the amount of lime milk also dosed into the epuration line is arbitrary.

[0013] The apparatus of the present invention for carrying out the above-described method comprises

• separation means for separating the carbonation scum from the sugar juice after the first carbonation;
• dilution means for diluting the separated carbonation scum, connected to the separation means;
• pH adjusting means for adjusting the pH value of the diluted carbonation scum to a value of 6.0 to 11.2;
• separation means for separating the treated carbonation scum liquid into a thick portion and a liquid portion, connected to the pH adjusting means, and
• dosing means for dosing the thick portion of the regenerated carbonation scum into the epuration line.

[0014] In accordance with prefered embodiments, the apparatus may further comprise dividing means for dividing the total amount of carbonation scum obtained from the separation means into a portion to be deposited and a portion to be regenerated and recirculated into the sugar juice epuration line and may also further comprise activation means connected to the separation means, for activating the carbonation scum by means of calcium oxide and/or calcium hydroxide, or lime, respectively.

[0015] In addition, according to a further prefered embodiment, the further comprises a recirculation line connected between the separation means and the dilution means, for recirculating at least a part of the liquid portion of the carbonation scum liquid obtained from the separation means into the dilution means.

[0016] In accordance with still further advantageous embodiments, the apparatus comprises one or more of the following features:

• The separation means are a filter or a filter press, preferably equipped with means for washing the separated carbonation scum;
• the dividing means comprise a conveyor;
• the dilution means are an agitated tank provided with water and/or recycling liquid supply;
• the pH adjusting means comprise a carbonator;
• the separation means are a hydrocyclone or a combination of two hydrocyclones, preferably with an agitated tank connected between the thick product outlet of the first hydrocyclone and the inlet of the second hydrocyclone;
• the activation means comprise a reactor for contacting or mixing the thick portion of the treated carbonation scum with calcium oxide or calcium hydroxide, or lime, respectively.

[0017] In this way a considerable economy in expenses necessary for procuring raw materials for the processing of the carbonation scum, such as burnt lime, lime milk and carbonation gas, is attained. Further advantages are to be seen in the reduction of the entire volume of carbonation scum, the reduction of costs for manipulating it, and, last but not least, the beneficial environmental effect, due to the limited rawstuff production, reduced waste amount and easier waste water treatment.

[0018] In practice, the process of this invention is carried out such that the carbonation scum after the first carbonation is, in several successive steps, separated, adjusted as to pH value, freed from adsorbed non-sugar substances, optionally activated and dosed into the epuration line. For the scum regeneration there is used an amount between zero and 100 % of the total scum amount separated by filtering after the first carbonation. The scum is diluted to a density of from 1010 to 1350 kg/m³ while the pH value thereof is adjusted to 6.0 - 11.2, depending on the non-sugar substance quality. The thus regenerated scum is separated from the mother liquor. The separated regenerated scum which possibly has been activated is then dosed into the epuration process together with lime milk, the lime milk amount varying between zero and 100 %, and the scum amount varying between 100 and zero %, based on the total dosed amounts thereof, respectively.

[0019] In accordance with a typical embodiment,the method according to the present invention comprises the following successive technological steps wherein the actual parameters of the individual regimes are set forth:

(a) Calcium carbonate is removed from the sugar juice after first carbonation by filtering off the so-called carbonation scum which is washed with water. The sweetened-off carbonation scum is withdrawn from the process, and a selectable portion thereof is removed and deposited.

(b) A portion of the sweetened-off carbonation scum in an amount between zero and 100 % of its total amount is separated and diluted to a density of from 1010 to 1350 kg/m³.

(c) The obtained carbonation scum solution is adjusted in a suitable device to a pH value of from 6.00 to 11.20.

(d) The chemically treated liquid of carbonation scum is then divided in one or more cyclones and thickened. The thin liquid portion is recirculated in an amount of from zero to 100 %.

(e) The thick portion obtained from the cyclone(s) is activated in a reactor by means of lime milk.

(f) The thus obtained activated mixture is supplied to the epuration line in parallel with the lime milk, the ratio between the supplied lime milk amount and the amount of said mixture varying between zero and 100 %.

[0020] By the treatment according to the present invention, the adsorptive capacity of the carbonation scum is reactivated. In this way, a part of the calcium carbonate obtained in the first carbonation step of the sugar juice clarification (epuration) is replaced.

[0021] In the following, the invention will be further explained with reference to the accompanying drawings.

[0022] Fig. 1 is a schematic representation of the basic arrangement of the sugar juice epuration line and the carbonation scum regeneration according to the present invention, and Figs. 2 and 3 are schematic flowcharts relating to the apparatus of the present invention, where Fig. 2 shows a one-stage process and Fig. 3 shows a two-stage process for the separation of the regnerated carbonation scum.

[0023] The left-hand column of Fig. 1 shows the common diffusion juice epuration line, comprising the steps of preliming, liming and carbonation (8), and the filtering of the carbonation scum (1), whereby a purified sugar juice is obtained.

[0024] The obtained carbonation scum is separated by dividing means (2) into a portion to be deposited and a portion to be regenerated which is fed to the diluting means (4). The diluted material is then supplied to a carbonation step (7) and subsequently to separation means (9) where the carbonation scum liquid is separated into a thick portion and a liquid portion. The thick portion is fed to activation means (10) where the carbonation scum is activated by means of lime milk. The activated material is then dosed into the epuration line, together with the lime milk which is also introduced.

[0025] The thin liquid portion obtained after the separation means (9) is recycled into the dilution stage (4) partially or in its entirety.

[0026] The apparatus shown in Fig. 2 comprises a filter press 1 wherein the carbonation scum is separated from the sugar juice, and washed with water or recirculation liquid for removing sugar substances therefrom.

[0027] The carbonation scum is transported by means of conveyors 2 and 3, where the conveyor 3 removes the part of the scum to be deposited, and the conveyor 2 transports the portion to be regenerated to an agitated tank 4 where a dilution with water is effected. The diluted material is pumped through a centrifugal pump 5 to a carbonator 7 supplied with CO₂, and passes then through an agitated tank 6 and a further centrifugal pump 5 to a hydrocyclone 9 which separates the thick portion from the thin liquid portion. The liquid portion is recirculated via a recirculation line 11 into the agitated tank 4; the non-recirculated portion of this liquid is waste liquid supplied to a waste liquid line.

[0028] The thick portion issuing from the hydrocyclone 9 may be fed either directly or through an activator 10 supplied with lime milk (CaO) to the common prelimer 8 from which prelimed sugar juice is obtained.

[0029] Fig. 3 shows the same apparatus as Fig. 2, and accordingly the same reference numerals are used. The only difference therebetween is that the separation of the thick portion from the liquid carbonation scum is carried out with use of a two-stage hydrocyclone system.

[0030] The liquid scum withdrawn from the agitated tank 6 is fed through a centrifugal pump 5 to a first hydrocyclone 9, the outlet of which for the thick product is connected through an agitated tank 6 to the inlet of a second hydrocyclone 9'.

[0031] The outlet of the second hydrocyclone 9' for the thick portion is connected to the prelimer 8 and to the activator 10 which, in turn, is connected with the prelimer 8.

[0032] The liquid portion obtained from the liquid outlets of the hydrocyclones 9, 9' is supplied to the recirculation line 11 which is also connected with the waste liquid line.

[0033] The invention is applicable in the sugar manufacture, and particularly in the field of sugar juice clarification, and leads to a considerably better economy in both manufacturing and investment expenses. Thus, the invention makes it possible to extend the manufacturing capacities of sugar factories.

Claims

1. A method for producing sugar with reclaiming and recycling of carbonation scum for reusing it in the sugar production, comprising the following steps:

(A) Separating the carbonation scum from the sugar juice after the first carbonation;

(B) diluting a portion or the total amount of the carbonation scum in an amount between zero and 100 % of the total amount to a density of 1010 to 1350 kg/m³;

(C) adjusting the pH value of the diluted carbonation scum to 6.0 to 11.2;

(D) separating adsorbed non-sugar substances from the carbonation scum;

(E) optionally activating the carbonation scum by means of calcium oxide or calcium hydroxide, and

(F) dosing a portion or the total amount of the carbonation scum into the epuration line.

2. The method according to claim 1,
characterized in that the regenerated carbonation scum is dosed in step F into the preliming and/or the liming stage and/or the carbonation stage of the sugar juice processing, the regenerated carbonation scum preferably being dosed together with or at the same time as the lime milk addition.

3. The method according to claims 1 and 2,
characterized in that in step A, the carbonation scum is separated from the sugar juice by filtration and is washed with water for removing sugar substances.

4. The method according to claims 1 to 3,
characterized in that the diluted carbonation scum , optionally after processing steps C, D and contingently E, and preferably in step C, is carbonated.

5. The method according to claims 1 to 4,
characterized in that the chemically treated carbonation scum liquid is divided into a thin liquid portion and a thick portion, the thin liquid portion is recirculated into the dilution stage in an amount of between zero and 100 %, and the thick portion is dosed into the epuration line, optionally after activation.

6. An apparatus for carrying out the method of claims 1 to 5, comprising

- separation means (1) for separating the carbonation scum from the sugar juice after the first carbonation;

- dilution means (4) for diluting the separated carbonation scum, connected to the separation means (1);

- pH adjusting means (6, 7) for adjusting the pH value of the diluted carbonation scum to a value of 6.0 to 11.2;

- separation means (9) for separating the treated carbonation scum liquid into a thick portion and a liquid portion, connected to the pH adjusting means (6; 7), and

- dosing means for dosing the thick portion of the regenerated carbonation scum into the epuration line.

7. The apparatus according to claim 6,
characterized in that it further comprises dividing means (2) for dividing the total amount of carbonation scum obtained from the separation means (1) into a portion to be deposited and a portion to be regenerated and recirculated into the sugar juice epuration line.

8. The apparatus according to claims 6 and 7,
characterized in that it further comprises activation means (10) connected to the separation means (9), for activating the carbonation scum by means of calcium oxide and/or calcium hydroxide, or lime, respectively.

9. The apparatus according to claims 6 to 8,
characterized in that it further comprises a recirculation line (11) connected between the separation means (9) and the dilution means (4), for recirculating at least a part of the liquid portion of the carbonation scum liquid obtained from the separation means (9) into the dilution means (4).

10. The apparatus according to claims 6 to 9,
characterized by one or more of the following features:

- The separation means (1) are a filter or a filter press, preferably equipped with means for washing the separated carbonation scum;

- the dividing means (2) comprise a conveyor;

- the dilution means (4) are an agitated tank;

- the pH adjusting means (6, 7) are or comprise a carbonator (7);

- the separation means (9) are a hydrocyclone or a combination of two hydrocyclones (9), preferably with an agitated tank (6) connected between the thick product outlet of the first hydrocyclone and the inlet of the second hydrocyclone;

- the activation means (10) comprise a reactor for contacting or mixing the thick portion of the treated carbonation scum with calcium oxide or calcium hydroxide, or lime, respectively.

Drawing